Steering and tilting systems for marine vessels

ABSTRACT

Steering and tilting systems featuring hydraulic actuators. The steering system comprises two self-contained units including a first helm pressure generating assembly positioned as desired within the vessel and a second hydraulic rotary actuator assembly suitably mounted to the vessel guidance system. The tilting system also comprises two self-contained units including a first motor driven hydraulic pump positioned as desired within the vessel and a second hydraulic actuator assembly suitably mounted to the underwater propulsion system.

United States Patent 2,532,470 12/1950 Wanzer 115/35 3,010,424 12/1961 Peterson et al. 115/41 3,040,717 6/1962 Rumsey 74/422 (X) 3,139,062 6/1964 Keefe 115/34 (X) 3,338,140 8/1967 Sheesley 74/422 (X) Primary Examiner-Milton Buchler Assistant Examiner-Carl A. Rutledge Attorney-James D. Halsey, Jr.

ABSTRACT: Steering and tilting systems featuring hydraulic actuators. The steering system comprises two self-contained units including a first helm pressure generating assembly positioned as desired within the vessel and a second hydraulic rotary actuator assembly suitably mounted to the vessel guidance system. The tilting system also comprises two selfcontained units including a first motor driven hydraulic pump positioned as desired within the vessel and a second hydraulic actuator assembly suitably mounted to the underwater propulsion system.

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PATENTEUmc 3m 3,596,626

SHEET 1 [IF 2 FIG. 1

CURT BUDDRUS INVENTOR' PATENTEB All; 3 BR SHEET 2 [IF 2 INVBNTOR CURT BU DDRUS STEERING AND TILTING SYSTEMS FOR MARINE VESSELS CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention relates to and is designed to be used in conjunction with a propulsion system disclosed in application Ser. No. 8 18,888, filed Apr. 24, 1969, and entitled HYDRAULIC MARINE PROPULSION SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to steering and tilting systems featuring hydraulic actuator units moving the vessel propulsion and guidance systems. The present invention provides the following advantages over present constructions:

The steering and tilting systems disclosed herein are safer, more dependable and easier to operate and maintain than similar presently marketed equipment. The steering and tilting systems each consist of self-contained units that are selflubricating. No liners, linkage systems, bearings, push-pull cables, clevises and the like are required as the steering and tilting systems are directly connected to the vessel guidance and propulsion systems.

The systems disclosed herein avoid the necessity of opening the vessel hull to accommodate means for connecting outboard propulsion and guidance systems with inboard pressure generating and control mechanisms.

With the steering system disclosed herein, instantaneous response to helm command is achieved since the turning of the helm wheel applies pressure instantly to the actuator shaft. The valve system incorporated in the'helm unit automatically locks the vessel onto its course avoiding the necessity of holding course after initial setting. While the steering system disclosed herein may be operated by hand, it can also be used with automatic piloting on inboards, stern drives and sailing vessels.

With the steering system disclosed herein, two or more helm pressure generating units can be used in parallel permitting steering at different locations or levels within the vessel.

With the tilting system disclosed herein, exposed mechanism such as cylinders, rods, levers and linkage are avoided.

With the tilting system disclosed herein, the propulsion system will remain in any position selected by a signal from the operator.

With the tilting system disclosed herein, the outdrive unit can be raised or lowered under power, thus permitting the vessel to pass over obstructions and in shallow areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The steering and tilting systems disclosed herein feature two self-contained units in fluid communication, i.e. hydraulic rotary actuators mounted adjacent to and directly controlling movement of the vessel guidance and propulsion systems and hydraulic pressure generators provided with means locking the fluid pressures within the actuators avoiding feedback.

The steering system features a first self-contained hydraulic rotary actuator connected directly to the rudder shaft for inboard operation or mounted on a hanger clevis for outboard operation and a second self-contained helm wheel operated dual rotational hydraulic pressure generating unit which is a gear, vane or piston pump with a built-in double-lock valve system.

The tilting system in like manner features a first self-contained hydraulic rotary actuator mounted on a hanger plate for outboard operation and a second electrically powered selfcontained dual rotational hydraulic pressure generating unit which is a gear, vane or piston pump with a built-in doublelock valve system.

. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view partly in section illustrating generally a vessel provided with an outboard propulsion and guidance system and particularly the tilting system of the present invention featuring a hydraulic rotary actuator for pivoting the hanger clevis and the electrically powered pressure generating unit with double-lock valve system apart therefrom for purposes of illustrating its operation;

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the steering system of the present invention, particularly a hydraulic rotary actuator mounted on the hanger clevis for outboard operation;

FIG.,3 is a side view partly in section illustrating the selfcontained helm pressure generating unit of the steering system and the double-lock valve system apart therefrom for purposes of illustrating its operation;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the double-lock valve system forming a part of the steering and tilting pressure generating units; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a typical hydraulic rotary actuator used in the steering and tilting systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The reference numeral 10 designates generally a vessel terminating in transom 12.

Within vessel 10 are mounted a fluid reservoir 13 and a power plant 14 drivingly connected to a pump 16 which is provided with a speed and directional control lever 18. A hydraulic pressure generating unit 20 (FIG. 3) constituting a part of the steering system and a like hydraulic pressure generating unit 22 (FIG. 1) constituting a part of the tilting system are also located within vessel 10 and will be described hereinafter.

The propulsion and guidance system is generally designated by the reference numeral 24 and includes a rudder 26 and a propeller 28 driven by a fixed displacement motor 30 in communication with reservoir 13 and pump 16 through oil lines 32. For further information regarding the mechanism and operation of the hydraulic propulsion system comprising pump 16 and motor 30 reference is made to my copending application previously identified.

The helm pressure generating unit 20 is a dual rotational hydraulic pressure generating gear, vane or piston pump provided with a built-in double-lock valve system. For purposes of illustrating operation, valve system 36 is shown apart from the pressure generating unit. It is to be understood that preferably the pressure generating unit is a self-contained unit including both the pump and the valve system 36.

A bidirectional axial piston pump is preferred for use within pressure generating unit 20 for converting shaft rotation into axial reciprocation of the pump pistons. Such pumps are conventional and reference is made to Machine Design, Fluid Power, 4th Edition, published Sept. 19, 1968 for further information.

As will be apparent from FIGS. 34, as helm wheel 34 is turned to the right, the pump within unit 20 generates fluid pressure flow which enters the valve system 36 through upper right port 37 moving piston 38 opening left poppet valve 39' allowing return flow from actuator 44 to the pump. At the same time the pressure opens right poppet valve 39 which exits the fluid through the lower right port 40, this pressure flow causing shaft 56" of actuator 44 to turn rudder 26. As the desired course is set, helm wheel 34 is stationary stopping all fluid flow within valve system 36 returning poppet valves 39 and 39' to their closed position, illustrated in FIG. 4. The fluid is thus locked under pressure in actuator 44 and rudder 26 fixed.

Movement of helm wheel 34 in the opposite direction reverses flow automatically moving rudder 26 in the opposite direction.

The double-lock valve system 36, illustrated in locked position in FIG. 4, includes end plugs 41 and 41, O-rings 42 and cartridge 43.

The hydraulic pressure generating unit 22 employed in the tilting system is identical to the previously described helm pressure generating unit and includes a dual rotational hydraulic pressure generating gear, vane or piston pump provided with a built-in double-lock valve system 36, previously described and illustrated in FIG. 4. Tilting pressure generating unit 22 is driven by reversible electric motor 23 controlled by a two-way hand toggle switch, although it is apparent that a hand crank can be used.

Hydraulic rotary actuators 44 and 46 each comprise, as

, seen in FIG. 5, a cylinder 48 within which are mounted pistons 50 each being integral with a rack 52 engaging pinion 54 through which a shaft 56 is mounted. Ports 58 and 60 are provided within cylinder 48 for the passage of fluid.

Helm pressure generating unit 20 and hydraulic actuator 44 are placed in communication through oil lines 62 and 64, as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, completing the steering system hydraulic circuit.

Electric driven hydraulic pressure generating unit 22 and hydraulic actuator 46 are placed in communication through oil lines 66 and 68, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, completing the tilting system hydraulic circuit.

A hanger plate 70 is mounted to transom 12 by bolts 72 and includes openings within which pins 74 are positioned, permitting adjustment of the angle of propeller 28.

Supported vertically'upon hanger plate 70 by bolts is the first hydraulic rotary actuator 46. The rotating shaft 56' or the hydraulic actuator 46 is keyed to the arms 76 of a hanger clevis 78 which is also provided with upper and lower arms 80, which support the outdrive unit 24, the other hydraulic rotary actuator 44 being mounted to the upper arm 80 by bolts, for example. The rotating shaft 56" freely passes through the openings 82 within the upper and lower arms 80 and is keyed to the support 84 of the outboard propulsion and guidance system 24. Finally, the lower portion of the hanger clevis 78 terminates in arms 86 abutting pins 74.

What I claim is:

1. In a marine vessel,

propulsion and guidance system means, together with means mounting said system means to said vessel permitting same to rotate about a first axis and tilt about a second axis;

self-contained hydraulic pressure generating means;

self-contained hydraulic actuator means operatively connected to said propulsion and guidance system means for rotating and tilting same, as desired, about said first and second axes, respectively; and

means affording communication between said pressure generating and actuator means and regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means by said pressure generating means.

2. In a marine vessel as in claim 1, said means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means by said pressure generating means comprising a double lock valve system including:

a casing;

first inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including first valve seat means and a first movable valve member, together with means biasing said first movable valve member in closed position against said first seat means;

second inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including second valve seat means and a second movable valve member, together with means biasing said second movable member in closed position against said second seat means; and

a piston, means mounting said piston within said casing for movement between said movable valve members, said piston including first and second opposed faces exposed to said first and second inlet and outlet port means and said passageway means connecting same, said piston terminating at each end in first and second members for contact with said first and second movable valve members such that when fluid is pumped through said first inlet port means, it forces said first movable valve member open transmitting fluid through said first outlet port means to said actuator means while simultaneously contacting said first member of said piston forcing same to move whereby said second member of said piston contacts said second movable valve member opening same permitting fluid to pass in opposite direction through said second outlet port means to said pressure generating means.

3. In a marine vessel as in claim 1, second hydraulic pressure generating means operatively connected to said propulsion system means for powering same separate from said self contained hydraulic pressure generating and actuator means for rotating and tilting said propulsion and guidance system means.

4. In a marine vessel as in claim 3, said self-contained hydraulic pressure generating means comprising first and second fluid pumping means and said self-contained hydraulic actuator means comprising first and second rotary actuator means; said first and second rotary actuators including first and second shafts coinciding with said first and second axes.

5. In a marine vessel as in claim 4, said means mounting said propulsion and guidance system means to said vessel including a hanger clevis mounted to and pivotable with said shaft of said second rotary actuator means, means supporting said second rotary actuator means from said vessel, means mounting said first rotary actuator means to said hanger clevis such that its shaft is movably supported between portions of said hanger clevis between which a portion of said guidance system means is mounted for movement and means locking said shaft of said first rotary actuator means to that portion of said guidance system means located between said portions of said hanger clevis.

6. In a marine vessel,

a guidance system, means mounting said guidance system to said vessel permitting said guidance system to move in respect thereto, as desired;

hydraulic pressure generating means;

hydraulic actuator means operatively connected to said guidance system; and

means connecting said hydraulic pressure generating means and said hydraulic actuator means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means from said pressure generating means.

7. In a marine vessel as in claim 6, said means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means including a double-lock valve system, comprising:

first inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including first valve seat means and a first movable valve member, together with means biasing said first movable valve member in closed position against said first seat means;

second inlet and outlet port means within said casing con nected by passageway means including second valve seat means and a second movable valve member, together with means biasing said second movable member in closed position against said second seat means; and

a piston, means mounting said piston within said casing for movement between said movable valve members, said piston including first and second opposed faces exposed to said first and second inlet and outlet port means and said passageway means connecting same, said piston terminating at each end in first and second members for contact with said first and second movable valve members such that when fluid is pumped through said first inlet port means, it forces said first movable valve member open transmitting fluid through said first outlet port means to said actuator means while simultaneously contacting said first member of said piston forcing same to move whereby said second member of said piston contacts said second movable valve member opening same permitting fluid to pass in opposite direction through said second outlet port means to said pressure generating means. 

1. In a marine vessel, propulsion and guidance system means, together with means mounting said system means to said vessel permitting same to rotate about a first axis and tilt about a second axis; self-contained hydraulic pressure generating means; self-contained hydraulic actuator means operatively connected to said propulsion and guidance system means for rotating and tilting same, as desired, about said first and second axes, respectively; and means affording communication between said pressure generating and actuator means and regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means by said pressure generating means.
 2. In a marine vessel as in claim 1, said means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means by said pressure generating means comprising a double lock valve system including: a casing; first inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including first valve seat means and a first movable valve member, together with means biasing said first movable valve member in closed position against said first seat means; second inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including second valve seat means and a second movable valve member, together with means biasing said second movable member in closed position against said Second seat means; and a piston, means mounting said piston within said casing for movement between said movable valve members, said piston including first and second opposed faces exposed to said first and second inlet and outlet port means and said passageway means connecting same, said piston terminating at each end in first and second members for contact with said first and second movable valve members such that when fluid is pumped through said first inlet port means, it forces said first movable valve member open transmitting fluid through said first outlet port means to said actuator means while simultaneously contacting said first member of said piston forcing same to move whereby said second member of said piston contacts said second movable valve member opening same permitting fluid to pass in opposite direction through said second outlet port means to said pressure generating means.
 3. In a marine vessel as in claim 1, second hydraulic pressure generating means operatively connected to said propulsion system means for powering same separate from said self-contained hydraulic pressure generating and actuator means for rotating and tilting said propulsion and guidance system means.
 4. In a marine vessel as in claim 3, said self-contained hydraulic pressure generating means comprising first and second fluid pumping means and said self-contained hydraulic actuator means comprising first and second rotary actuator means; said first and second rotary actuators including first and second shafts coinciding with said first and second axes.
 5. In a marine vessel as in claim 4, said means mounting said propulsion and guidance system means to said vessel including a hanger clevis mounted to and pivotable with said shaft of said second rotary actuator means, means supporting said second rotary actuator means from said vessel, means mounting said first rotary actuator means to said hanger clevis such that its shaft is movably supported between portions of said hanger clevis between which a portion of said guidance system means is mounted for movement and means locking said shaft of said first rotary actuator means to that portion of said guidance system means located between said portions of said hanger clevis.
 6. In a marine vessel, a guidance system, means mounting said guidance system to said vessel permitting said guidance system to move in respect thereto, as desired; hydraulic pressure generating means; hydraulic actuator means operatively connected to said guidance system; and means connecting said hydraulic pressure generating means and said hydraulic actuator means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means from said pressure generating means.
 7. In a marine vessel as in claim 6, said means regulating the direction and volume of fluid transmitted to said actuator means including a double-lock valve system, comprising: first inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including first valve seat means and a first movable valve member, together with means biasing said first movable valve member in closed position against said first seat means; second inlet and outlet port means within said casing connected by passageway means including second valve seat means and a second movable valve member, together with means biasing said second movable member in closed position against said second seat means; and a piston, means mounting said piston within said casing for movement between said movable valve members, said piston including first and second opposed faces exposed to said first and second inlet and outlet port means and said passageway means connecting same, said piston terminating at each end in first and second members for contact with said first and second movable valve members such that when fluid is pumped through said first inlet port means, it forces said first movable valve member open transmitting fluid through said first outlet port means To said actuator means while simultaneously contacting said first member of said piston forcing same to move whereby said second member of said piston contacts said second movable valve member opening same permitting fluid to pass in opposite direction through said second outlet port means to said pressure generating means. 